Medford Police Still Use Taser's as Non-lethal Alternative

(1/24/12) As Oregon State Police investigate the shooting death of 18-year old Elias Ruiz, many are wondering if his death was preventable. The non-lethal Taser used on Ruiz was, for reasons unknown, ineffective and yet Medford Police are continuing to use the device. Medford Police Chief Tim George says they're still used by MPD as one of their best options for non-lethal force. 'It is never the same circumstance or situation, certainly the same conditions or variables that play in to it every time.' Sgt. Mike Budreau has used his Taser once in the line of duty, It didn't work. 'He was in a full run; it struck his clothing which were thick as it was winter. The clothes were draped behind him.'

While there are more questions than answers at this time,. An 18 year old man is dead and it's unclear if an effective Taser might have prevented that.